Preventing changes to data.

**jimwilliams** · 10-21-2008, 01:46 AM

I have an excel file i wish to make readable to anyone. However i do not wish changes to be made to the information by someone saving under a different file name, opening and editing the new file. Are you aware of any process that allows me to do this? (not using macros). I am not aware of any password options that allow this. Excel 2003 is being used and security is set to the highest available level.

Your opinions are very much appreciated,

Cheers Jim.

**arthurbr** · 10-21-2008, 02:16 AM

Hi and welcome to the board
Haven't used it myself but a possibility is converting your sheets to pdf?

**PoggiPJ** · 10-21-2008, 02:29 AM

I suggest using the "BeforeSave" event to do this. I have to do something similar once the Workbook reaches an expiration date. I want the user to be able to see the data for historical value, but not be able to make any changes to it.

In the "BeforeSave" event, if the SaveAsUI boolean flag is TRUE, copy the entire worksheet as one range, then perform a PasteSpecial, Values (only) over that same range. Also turn on protection along with a password. This destroys any formulas that were in the cells originally, but retains the cell values for future readibility.

I hope this helps.

**sglife** · 10-21-2008, 02:50 AM

hi
Peter:

Your method is a macro one, I can just disable the macro on my computer and then open your file and copy it.

**sglife** · 10-21-2008, 02:54 AM

How about protect your worksheet
with the setting of :
Allow all users of this worksheet to do:

NOTHING

**jimwilliams** · 10-21-2008, 07:18 AM

Thank you all for your input. I would appreciate your opinion of the following that i have tried.
1 Password protect each sheet
2 By doing this, even if the file is saved under a different file name the sheets still need the password to change the content.

Any feedback appreciated

Cheers
Jim